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UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDING BLOCK FOR THE VISUALLY
DISABLED IN MALIOBORO STREET, YOGYAKARTA INDONESIA
MIRNA HASTUTI
FRSB 2003 2
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THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDING BLOCK FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED IN MALIOBORO STREET, YOGYAKARTA
INDONESIA
By
MIRNA HASTUTI
Thesis Submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, in Fulfilment of Requirement for the Degree of Master of Science
August 2003
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Abstract of thesis presented to the Senate ofUniversiti Putra Malaysia in fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF GUIDING BLOCKS FOR THE VISUALLY DISABLED IN MALIOBORO STREET, YOGYAKARTA
INDONESIA
By
MIRNA HAST UTI
August 2003
Chairman: Wan Srihani Wan Mohamad
Faculty: Design and Architecture
One of the goals in the planning of modern cities would be to provide comfort, safety
and flexibility for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. This concept is known as the
Universal Design or Barrier Free Environments. Y ogyakarta was the first city in
Indonesia that introduced and promoted the Barrier Free Environment through the use
of guiding block technique. However, the Malioboro pilot project has not been
effectively utilised by the intended users, which are the visually disabled.
This study aimed to study the effectiveness of the guiding blocks in Malioboro Street.
It attempted to seek ways in which the guiding blocks could be utilised more widely
by users, especially the visually disabled.
This research used a triangulation technique to obtain the data. It consisted of: a)
questionnaire with 150 respondents from 3 groups (50 visually disabled, 50 street
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vendors and 50 visitors); b) observation, utilising the place mapping centre technique;
and c) interview, with 35 informants ( 1 5 visually disabled, 8 street vendors, 8 visitors,
2 members of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and 2 government officials).
In this study, it was been observed that the guiding blocks were not effectively used by
the visually disabled. This is due to different groups of users of Malioboro Street that
have different perceptions regarding the functions of the guiding blocks on Malioboro
Street; the visually disabled are monitored by a few organizations which are less
influential, and therefore their rights, needs and requirements are not recognized by
others; there is a strong competition for spaces along the street resulting in the visually
disabled facilities being ignored; there is a lack of enforcement on the part of the
authorities; there is not enough awareness campaign being conducted to instil
understanding and respect on the need of the visually disabled to use the guiding
blocks; the spaces along the street are not delineated clearly according to different
users, and there is a lack of political will to ensure that guiding blocks are effectively
utilised.
The following recommendations are made to improve the effectiveness of the guiding
blocks for the visually disabled. These are: more involvement of all parties such as
government, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), community, university
students, etc to look into the needs of the visually disabled to use the guiding blocks.
These groups can offer ideas to solve problems arising from the use of the guiding
blocks; there is also a need to provide complimentary facilities which may include
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ramps, phone booth, rest places and shelter for the visually disabled to function
effectively; there should be a wider and more frequent dissemination of information
on the needs of the disabled to use the guiding blocks; and there should be a effective
law enforcement to assist the visually disabled to use the blocks.
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Abstrak tesis yang dikemukakan kepada Senat Universiti Putra Malaysia sebagai memenuhi keperluan untuk ijazah Master Sains
KEBERKESANAN BLOK PANDUAN UNTUK ORANG CACAT PENGLIHATAN DI JALAN MALIOBORO, YOGYAKARTA
INDONESIA
Oleh
MIRNA HASTUTI
Ogos 2003
Pengerusi: Wan Srihani Wan Mohamad
Fakulti: Reka Bentuk dan Seni bina
Salah satu matlamat dalam merancang sesebuah bandar moden adalah menyediakan
keselesaan, keselamatan dan kemudahan bagi pengguna dari semua peringkat umur,
saiz dan kemampuan. Konsep ini dikenali sebagai Reka Bentuk Am atau Persekitaran
Tanpa Halangan. Y ogyakarta adalah bandar pertama di Indonesia yang
memperkenalkan dan mempromosikan Persekitaran Tanpa Halangan melalui teknik
blok panduan. Walau bagaimanapun, projek pertama di Malioboro ini didapati kurang
keberkesanannya.
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa keberkesanan blok panduan di lalan
Malioboro. Ini adalah dalam usaha untuk mencari pendekatan supaya blok panduan
dapat digunakan secara meluas oleh pengguna, terutama golongan yang cacat
penglihatan.
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Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah triangulasi untuk mendapatkan data, iaitu: a). soal
selidik dimana 150 orang dari 3 kumpulan (50 orang cacat penglihatan, 50 penjaja
kaki lima dan 50 pelawat); b). pemerhatian, memanfaatkan teknik pusat pemetaan
tempat; and c). temuduga dengan 35 orang yang terpilih (15 orang cacat penglihatan,
8 penjaja kaki lima, 8 pelawat, 2 anggota organisasi bukan kerajaan dan 2 pegawai
kerajaan).
Dalam kajian ini didapati bahawa blok panduan tersebut sememangnya tidak
digunakan sepenuhnya bagi mereka yang cacat penglihatan. Ini disebabkan oleh
kumpulan-kumpulan penggunanya yang berbeza mempunyai tanggapan yang berbeza
tentang fungsi blok panduan di Jalan Malioboro; mereka yang cacat penglihatan
bergerak di bawah beberapa organisasi yang kekurangan dari segi kuasa oleh itu hak
hak keperluan dan keinginan mereka tidak diberi perhatian oleh golongan lain;
persaingan bagi mendapatkan ruang adalah tinggi di sepanjang jalan berkenaan
sehingga kemudahan mereka yang cacat penglihatan terabai; kurang perlaksanaan
undang-undang oleh pihak yang berkuasa; kurangnya kempen kesedaran untuk
mewujudkan pemahaman dan rasa hormat terhadap mereka yang cacat penglihatan
untuk menggunakan blok panduan; ketidak jelasan penanda sempadan untuk
pengguna-pengguna yang berbeza, dan kurang campur tangan politik bagi memastikan
bahwa blok panduan tersebut dapat digunakan dengan berkesan.
Berikut adalah cadangan-cadangan yang merupakan usaha dalam meningkatkan tahap
keberkesanan blok panduan untuk golongan yang cacat penglihatan, iaitu: penglibatan
dari semua pihak ini termasuklah dari pihak kerajaan, organisasi bukan kerajaan,
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masyarakat, pelajar, universiti dan lain-lain, yang mempunyai hubungan dengan orang
yang cacat penglihatan untuk menggunakan blok panduan. Kumpulan-kumpulan ini
dapat menyumbangkan idea-idea untuk mengatasi masalah meningkatkan penggunaan
blok panduan tersebut di mana penglibatan tersebut boleh didapati dalam bentuk
pertandingan projek-projek antara pelajar; keperluan menambahkan kemudahan.
Contohnya seperti landas angkat, pondok talipon, wakaf dan tempat perlindungan lain
untuk golongan cacat penglihatan untuk membolehkan ianya berfungsi secara lebih
berkesan; penyebaran maklumat berkenaan penggunaan jalur panduan perlu
disampaikan secara meluas kepada pengguna lalan Malioboro; dan perlunya
penguatkuasaan undang-undang yang lebih berkesan untuk membantu orang yang
cacat penglihatan dalam menggunakan blok panduan.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to express my great appreciation and sincere gratitude to Mrs. Wan
Srihani for her guidance, encouragement and support to make my dream of pursuing
higher education come true. I am indebted to my co-supervisor Associate Professor
Dr. Mustafa Kamal Bin Mohd. Shariff, Dr. Kamariah Dola and Mrs. Sumami Ismail
for their patience, valuable guidance, and advice throughout this study. Special thanks
to Mrs. Norsidah Ujang, chairman of my supervisory committee, who provided useful
suggestions to improve this work.
I also like to thank Dr. Ikaputra and Dr. RHari Wibisono from Gadjah Mada
University for their tremendous assistance and encouragement during the whole study
period and staffs of the Centre of Universal Design and Diffabilities, Mr. Ir. Wijang
Wicaksono, Mr. Hari, Mr. Kelik, Mr. Donni, Ms. Alfi and Ms. Arif RSholihah from
Gadjah Mada University for the cooperation give to me during the thesis preparation.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my friends Mr. Arwan, Mr. He-Man and
Ms. Neneng, who have helped me in collecting data. My deepest appreciation and
thanks go to the members of Pemuda Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta who had helped me
in my observation.
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I would like to thank Ms. Rosenah, Mrs. Zakiah, Ms. Asa Nairn, Ms. Dahlia, Ms.
Ainun and Mr. Sabzali for their companionship during the whole study period. I
would like to thank Mrs. Noor Asma and Mrs. Hasniah who helped me in
administrative matters in the faculty.
My appreciation also goes to my good friends, Mr. Silvester, Ms. Penny Ismiati ,Mr.
Prihasto Setyanto, and Mr. Indrawarman for the patience and encouragement given to
me. Thanks to all my country-mates and my housemates Mr. Hari, Ms. Eni, Mrs. Emi,
Ms. Yanni, Ms. Tessa, Ms. Siffa, Ms. Rina and Ms. May I wish to say thank you for
their kindness, help and guidance whenever needed.
Last, but not least, my greatest appreciation and respect to my loving parents Ir. Hj.
Soebianto Kahar, MM and Hjh. Iranah, for their endless support and motivation
throughout my study; my sister Dr. Santi Rini and my brother-in-law, Ir. Kuntiadi
Satriawan and my brother Rabin Shubananta for their encouragement and love and to
my unforgettable friend Mas Taufiqurrahman Bastami, who showed endless interest in
my study, thank you.
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I certify that an Examination Committee met on 4 August 2003 to conduct the final examination of Mirna Hastuti on her Master of Science thesis entitled "The Effectiveness of Guiding Blocks for The Visually Disabled in Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta, Indonesia" in accordance with Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Higher Degree) Act 1980 and Universiti Pertanian Malaysia (Higher Degree) Regulation 1981. The Committee recommends that the candidate be awarded the relevant degree. Members of the Examination committee are as follows:
NORSIDAH UJANG Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Chainnan)
WAN SRIHANI WAN MOHAMAD Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
MUSTAFA KAMAL BIN MOHD. SHARIFF, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
KAMARIAH DOLA, Ph.D. Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
SUMARNI ISMAIL Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
GULAM
Professor/ Deputy Dean School of Graduate Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia
Date: .3 0 SEP 2003
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This thesis submitted to the Senate of Universiti Putra Malaysia has been accepted as fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science. The members of the supervisory committee are as follows:
WAN SRIHANI WAN MOHAMAD Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Chairman)
MUSTAFA KAMAL BIN MOHD. SHARIFF, Ph.D. Associate Professor Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
KAMARIAH DOLA, P.h.D.
Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
SUMARNI ISMAIL Faculty of Design and Architecture Universiti Putra Malaysia (Member)
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AINI IDERIS, Ph. D
Professor/ Dean School of Graduate Studies Universiti Putra Malaysia
Date: 1 4 NOV 20m
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the thesis is based on my original work except for quotations and citations, which have been duly acknowledged. I also declare that it has not been previously or concurrently submitted for any other degree at UPM or other institutions.
Date: I £j A"'�st 1.0D �
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
ABSTRACT 11
ABSTRAK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS APPROVAL
V
Vlll
X
XII
xv XVl
DECLARA TION LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION 1 . 1 Background of the Study 1 .2 Problem Statement 1 .3 Significance of Study
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
1 6 8
2 . 1 Introduction 9 2.2 Definition 9
2.2. 1 Definition of the Disabled and Handicapped 1 0 2 .2 .2 Definition of the Visually Disabled (Blind) 1 0
2 . 3 The Mobility and The Barrier Free Environment 1 1 2.3 . 1 The Standard Ru1es on the Equalization of Opportunities
for Persons with Disabilities by United Nations 1 3 2 .3 .2 Legislation on Equal Opportunities and Full Participation
in Development for Disabled Persons: A Regional Review by The United Nations 1 5
2 .3 .3 Types of Disability Groups 1 7 2.4 Designs for Barrier Free Environment 1 8
2 .4. 1 Universal Design 2 1 2.4.2 Barrier Free Environment 25 2 .4.3 Pedestrian Walkway 26 2 .4.4 Guiding Blocks 28
2 .5 Experiences in Implementing Guiding Blocks in Asia 30 2 .5 . 1 Case Study 1 : Yokohama, Japan 3 1 2 .5 .2 Case Study 2 : Beijing, China 32 2 .5.3 Case Study 3: Bangkok, Thailand 35
2 .6 The Role of Guiding Blocks t o Promote Barrier Free Environment in Y ogyakarta-Indonesia 40 2.6. 1 Location of Malioboro Street 42 2.6 .2 Space Physical Condition 42 2.6.3 Social Economy Activities 43 2.6.4 Promotion of Barrier Free Environment from
Y ogyakarta 44
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3
4
5
2.6.5 Guiding Blocks: As Selected Feature for the Promotion of Barrier Free Environment in Indonesia 45
2.7 Conclusion 51
METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction 53 3.2 Description of the Study Area 53 3.3 Research Design 55 3.4 Sampling Design 57 3.5 Sampling Procedure 58 3.6 Data Collecting Procedure 62 3.7 Data Collecting Instruments 64 3.8 Data Analysis 65
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 4.1 Introduction 69 4.2 Questionnaire Result 69
4.2.1 Demographic of the Respondents 69 4.2.2 The Understanding Towards the Usage of Guiding Block 75 4.2.3 Perception of the Usefulness of Guiding Block 79 4.2.4 Respondents' Participation on Planning Process 82 4.2.5 Socialisation 83 4.2.6 Conclusion 84
4.3 Result of Observation 85 4.3.1 The Existence of Guiding Blocks in Malioboro Street 85 4.3.2 Observation Result with Place Mapping Centre 87 4.3.3 Behavioural Observation of the Visually Disabled 103 4.3.4 Conclusion 104
4.4 Interview Result 104 4.4.1 Interview Result with the Visually Disabled 104 4.4.2 Interview Result with the Street Vendors 105 4.4.3 Interview Result with the Visitors 105 4.4.4 Interview Result with the Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGOs) 106 4.4.5 Interview Result with the Government Officer 107 4.4.6 Conclusion 108
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 5.1 Introduction 109 5.2 Issues and Recommendation 109
BmLIOGRAPHY 124
APPENDICES 128
BIODATA OF THE AUTHOR l 36
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
2.1 Recommendation of public facilities for the disabled 19
2.2 The principle of universal design 20
2.3 The experiences in Asia countries including Indonesia in implementing
the guiding blocks 49
3.1 Number of respondents interviewed 62
3.2 Summary of Research Methodology 68
4.1 Place mapping centre at Bit 1 (West part) in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 88
4.2 Place mapping centre at Bit 2 (East part) in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 90
4.3 Place mapping centre at Bit 2 (East part) in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 91
4.4 Place mapping centre at Bit 3 (East part) in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 93
4.5 Place mapping centre at Bit 1 (West part) in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
4.6 Place mapping centre at Bit 2 (East part) in Weekdays (Saturday-Sunday) 97
4.7 Place mapping centre at Bit 2 (East part) in Weekdays (Saturday-Sunday) 98
4.8 Place mapping centre at Bit 3 (East part) in Weekdays (Saturday-Sunday) 100
4.9 Place mapping centre at Bit 3 (East part) in Weekdays (Saturday-Sunday) 101
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1.1 Map of Indonesia, Y ogyakarta special region 4
l .2 Map of study area 6
2.1 Guiding blocks and warning blocks 29
2.2 Guiding blocks with aluminium material 30
2.3 Guiding blocks with rubber material 30
2.4 Guiding blocks with concrete material 30
2.5 Location of guiding blocks on Malioboro Street 47
3.1 Malioboro street 53
3.2 Malioboro Street located at a north-south axis 54
3.3 "Lesehan" on Malioboro Street 54
3.4 Motorcycle parking on Malioboro Street 54
3.5 Shopping arcades on MaJioboro Street 54
3.6 Model of the effectiveness of guiding blocks for the disabled 55
4.1 Characteristics of visually disabled in tenn of sex and age 70
4.2 The characteristics of the visually disabled respondent in term
of occupation and education level 71
4.3 Characteristics of street vendors in term sex and age 72
4.4 Characteristics street vendors' respondent in tenn of occupation and
education level and frequency visit 73
4.5 Characteristics of visitors in tenn of sex and age 74
4.6 Characteristics of visitor's respondent in term of occupation,
education level and frequency visit 75
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4.7 Visually disabled respondents satisfaction 80
4.8 Street vendor's respondents satisfaction about guiding blocks 81
4.9 Visitor's respondents satisfaction 82
4.10 The guiding blocks in both side of pedestrian walkway on Malioboro 85
4.11 Bit 1 (West part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 89
4.12 Bit 1 (West part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 89
4.13 Bit 1 (West part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 89
4.14 Bit 1 (West part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 89
4.15 Bit 1 (West part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 89
4.16 Bit 2 (East part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 92
4.17 Bit 2 (East part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 92
4.18 Bit 2 (East part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 92
4.19 Bit 2 (East part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 92
4.20 Bit 2 (East part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 92
4.21 Bit 3 (West part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 94
4.22 Bit 3 (West part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 94
4.23 Bit 3 (West part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 94
4.24 Bit 3 (West part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 94
4.25 Bit 3 (West part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekdays (Monday-Friday) 94
4.26 Bit 1 (West part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
4.27 Bit 1 (West part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
4.28 Bit 1 (West part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
4.29 Bit 1 (West part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
4.30 Bit 1 (West part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 96
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4.31 Bit 2 (East part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 99
4.32 Bit 2 (East part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 99
4.33 Bit 2 (East part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 99
4.34 Bit 2 (East part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 99
4.35 Bit 2 (East part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 99
4.36 Bit 3 (West part) at 9.00 a.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 102
4.37 Bit 3 (West part) at 1.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 102
4.38 Bit 3 (West part) at 5.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 102
4.39 Bit 3 (West part) at 7.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 102
4.40 Bit 3 (West part) at 9.00 p.m. in Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) 102
4.41 Conflict of users on guiding blocks on Malioboro Street 103
5.1 The existing section showing location of the guiding blocks
and its usage at Bit 1 of activities on Malioboro Street 117
5.2 The recommended design at Bit 1 118
5.3 The existing section showing location of the guiding blocks
and its usage at Bit 2 119
5.4 The recommended design at Bit 2 120
5.5 The recommended design of crossing line with guiding blocks
structure to connect Bit 1 and Bit 2 121
5.6 The existing section showing location ofthe guiding blocks
at Bit 3 and its usage 122
5.7 The recommended design of the guiding blocks at Bit 3 in Malioboro
Street 123
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CHAPTER!
INTRODUCTION
This study was initiated by the researcher based on the interest in the provision of a
Barrier Free Environment for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. Y ogyakarta was
the first city in Indonesia to introduce Barrier Free Environments using guiding
blocks as a tool in creating the accessibility for the visually disabled. Barrier Free
Environments mean giving users the possibilities to use space in a continuous
process to be able to move around without restriction. This project known as the
"Malioboro Pilot Project" was implemented along the busy Malioboro Street.
1.1 Background of the Study
Accessibility or the ability to move around is a basic necessity for humans. Limiting
someone's ability to move is, therefore, violating his or her human right (Hastuti &
W. Srihani, 2002). All people should enjoy such ability because every human being
is created with their own abilities. According to Setyo (2000), there are two groups
of disabilities. The first group is people who experiences in mobility temporarily.
These are the very young children, pregnant women, and people who have temporary
mobility problems such as injuries. On the other hand, the disabled, elderly people
and people with chronic diseases are the examples of those having permanent
mobility condition.
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The United Nations (1995) predicted that there are 300 million people with
disabilities in Asia. Kwan (2000) noted that the population of people who are over 60
years old would drastically increase in Hong Kong, China, Korea, India, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Singapore in the next 25 years. This will subsequently increase the
number of disabled population.
Unfortunately, the disabled rarely get equal rights and opportunities in social life.
This is especially true with the provision of public facilities which have not taken
into account their special needs. There is an urgent need to build facilities which are
universal in the sense that they can be used by all people (Welch, 1995).
The United Nations (1995) through the Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and Pacific (ESCAP), introduced the concept of "the non-handicapping environment
or Barrier Free Environment" in 1993. This concept addressed the need to provide
opportunities for the full participation and equality of people with disabilities. The
United Nations (1995) also declared that all part of the built environment should be
designed to include the need of people with disabilities and frailties. This is in line
with Lynch (1992) who forwarded the idea that a good city should be a city that can
be accessed equally by all people.
According to Barter and Rahman (2000), people with disabilities or disabled people
include individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive problems. They are neither
sensitively nor seriously taken into account in the planning and the implementation
of social policies or structural design. Many public facilities are still off limits to
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these special populations. One of these places is the pedestrian walkway. The
pedestrian walkway is an important urban element which provides connectivity and
for activities between spaces. A walkway provides means for pedestrians to get to
their destination. Thus, the pedestrian walkway is a public facility which should be
accessible, and enjoyed by all people. Therefore, a public facility that cannot be used
by all people is a form of discrimination (Setyo, 2000). It impedes the mobility of
certain groups of people who cannot use the facilities.
A number of tools have been used to facilitate the movement of the visually disabled
in a public space. One of the techniques that has been promoted and implemented by
ESCAP to realise the concept of Barrier Free Environment for the disabled is the
guiding blocks. Guiding blocks are pathways in the form of highly textured tiles
which the visually disabled or the blind can sense through their working sticks
(Public Work Department of Indonesia, 1998).
Guiding blocks are specially built tiles arranged as a path to guide the visually
disabled people walk by using the texture of the tiles with polka dot motives, which
then give admonition about the changes in situation around the area. Such guiding
blocks are specially used as a guide for the visually disabled as their facility of
movement to get to the destination they want. The guiding blocks are the easiest and
most economical tools which can be installed over a large site with various high
intensity functional activities of the city that are being conducted. In this research
Malioboro Street was chosen because of its strategic location in the centre of the city
which was of national interest.
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In Indonesia, Y ogyakarta is the first city chosen by ESCAP to implement the Barrier
Free Environment concept. Guiding blocks were installed on Malioboro Street in
1999. This project is now known as the "Malioboro Pilot Project". According to
Parker and Sasiang (2000), "Malioboro Pilot Project" is one of the models of a
Barrier Free Environment in Asian cities.
Yogyakarta was founded in 1756. It has been declared as the first tourism city in
Indonesia and subsequently becomes the second most important tourism destination
after Bali Island (Adishakti, 1997). Besides being a tourist city, Yogyakarta is also a
centre for arts and education in Indonesia. This can be seen by the numerous arts and
cultural centre as well as universities found in and around the city. Its population in
1998 was estimated to be 3 . 1 85.384 (Badan Pusat Statistik , 1 998).
Malioboro Street forms an axis crossing the centre of the city in a north south
direction. It is a very important street as in it is the main hub of activities for
Y ogyakarta. It is a historical street, a major economic centre and a tourists'
destination. The street is a major route in the city's circulation system (IWas et aI.,
2001).
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Nevertheless, despite its uniqueness and importance, the street is not accessible to
groups of people having mobility impediments, which include the disabled, the
elderly people, pregnant women, etc. In line with the "non-handicapping
environment or Barrier Free Environment" concept, ESCAP commissioned Gadjah
Mada University in 1992 to identify the problems and needs of this group.
Subsequently, the University started an initiative to promote barrier free built
environment that attracted other universities, government agencies as well as NGOs.
The group proposed the Disabled Persons Law No.4 (ratified in 1997) and the
National Technical Guidelines for Accessibility in Buildings and Built-up
Environment launched in 1998 by the Minister of Public Works known as "Ministry
Decree 468" (lkaputra and Sholihah, 2001). The guidelines contain more than 15
features such as doors, lifts, toilets, bathroom sinks, telephones, signboards, ramps,
teletexts, stairs, pedestrian walkways, etc.
In 1999, the group also initiated a pilot project in Malioboro area. The Malioboro
Pilot Project was the first barrier free pilot project in Indonesia. For the Malioboro
Pilot Project, it was decided that the guiding blocks were chosen for the visually
disabled as a promotion and learning tools in creating the accessible environment.
Yogyakarta has 159.269 disabled people and the visually disabled reach 46.091
people (Badan Pusat Statistik, 1998). World Health Organization stated that the
number of the visually disabled in Indonesia was the highest in south East Asia
(Kompas, 2002). The implementation of the guiding blocks as safe guide for the
visually disabled stretched for about 1.3 kilometres in length and was constructed in
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a commercial area with an initial phase with the Braille Blocks (guiding blocks and
warning blocks).
Figure 1.2: Map of Study Area.
1.2 Problem Statement
The provision of a Barrier Free Environment has not been legally incorporated in any
development projects in Indonesia. This has created problems for disabilities
rendering them incapable of contributing effectively to the national economy. A
study by Ikaputra and Wibisono (2002). The causes of the problems are:
a. a lack of legislation to create a Barrier Free Environment in Indonesia, and
b. a lack of awareness on the need to create such an environment.
To overcome these problems, several recommendations were forwarded. Amongst
them was the introduction of a technical standard for the accessible environment for
all the people in Indonesia. The Decree of Public Works Minister No.
6